What Ever Happened To Bob Horner???

“4 home runs in 1 game – 4 home runs in 1 game – 4 home runs in 1 game – 4 home runs in 1 game”

This feat alone mesmerized me. I remember watching this game as a kid on WTBS back in 1986 as a 10-year old baseball fan.

But Bob Horner was on a path to baseball stardom well before this amazing 1-day accomplishment. Drafted in 1978 by the Atlanta Braves, Horner went straight from an amazing college baseball career to the major leagues skipping what was normally a routine stop in the minor leagues.

With a .266 batting average while belting 23 home runs, Horner won the Rookie of the Year award in 1978. In ’79 he followed up his rookie season by hitting .314 while crushing 33 homers. Horner was on a path to become a dominant offensive threat and star of the Atlanta Braves.

Unfortunately, injuries cost Bob Horner quite a bit of playing time during the course of his career. Having never played in more than 141 games in a single season while also playing in 4 seasons in which he played in less than 100 games, Horner lost several opportunities to utilize his offensive skills and help his team win. After 10 major league seasons, Horner finished his career injured while settling with 218 home runs, a .277 batting average, and 1 lone appearance in the All-star game.

Not wanting to give up, Horner took his talents overseas in 1987 and signed on to play for the Yakult Swallows in Japan. He performed well and hit 31 home runs in his debut season with the team. Horner returned back to the states in hopes to sign with a major league club for the 1988 season but was released by the St. Louis Cardinals after severely injuring his shoulder.

On July 4, 2006 Bob Horner was elected into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

My favorite player during his brief career—-loved the sweet short swing—-he had the strongest wrists of any player I ever saw play—batting practice was always an amazing display with Horner. He was a pure hitter with a great eye. It’s a shame he was hurt so often—I believe it cost him 200+ homeruns and maybe even a place in Cooperstown. It probably hurt Dale Murphy’s HoF chances as well—Dale was always way more of a threat with Horner behind him in the lineup—Horner’s injuries probably cost Murphy 20 or 30 homeruns over the years, which would have put Dale well over 400 for his career. Also, a healthy Horner might have helped the Braves in the post season in the early 80s—they were a far more potent team offensively when Horner was hot.

THE BEST HITTER I EVER PLAYED WITH! …. and even a better person! I loved when you came into Philly, hit a bomb then we went out with the guys. A superstar major leaguer and a superstar friend! Ralph from Philly

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! I HAVE OFTENED WONDERED WHATEVER HAPPENED TO YOU!!!!!! ONE OF THE GREATEST BASEBALL PLAYERS TO HIT A BASEBALL! YOU MADE ME FALL INLOVE WITH THE GAME! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Is it possible to find a video copy of Horner’s opening Major League Game, June 16, 1978. My dad and I watched it live and saw his first homer in his second at bat. I would love to watch that game again! He and Biff Pacaroba were childhood, little league base ball heroes!